A 17 Day volunteering, cultural adventure in India.
Highlights include a volunteer program at Shikshan Gram Children’s Shelter, the rich beauty of Rajastan including lavish palaces, majestic forts and ancient treasures, traditional folk dances, astonishingly beautiful temples, beguiling bazaars, village visits, wonderful handicraft villages, Ranthambore National Park with safaris and tranquil nature treks.
This beautiful journey takes you behind the scenes, where you will experience the rich treasures of the past along with the amazing wonders of the present. It will touch your heart, enrich your life and uplift your spirit.
Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Mumbai in the late evening and transfer to your comfortable hotel.
Day Two
Take a short flight to Udaipur, described as the most romantic place in India. A visit to the majestic City Palace, Jagdish Temple and stately Bagore-ki-haveli marks the afternoon.
Day Three
Enjoy a morning visit to the Shilpgram handicrafts village – a living ethnographic museum depicting the lifestyles, architecture and art of the folk and tribal people of the Western states. You will have free time in the afternoon to explore the narrow crooked lanes of this charming town or the surrounding countryside and villages. Other options include – sampling teas in the quaint tea shops, attending a cooking class or enjoying an ayurvedic massage. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk dance performance.
Day Four
Go on a morning drive to the village of Ranakpur, visiting some tribal villages en-route. In the afternoon, you will go on a guided tour of the beautiful Jain temples famously situated in the area.
Day Five
Drive to Chittogarh after breakfast. The fort here was constructed by the Mauyans in the seventh century AD and is considered the greatest in Rajastan. Being the citadel of many great Rajput warriors, its history is filled with chivalry, tragedy and romanticism. After a guided tour, you will be transferred to wonderful ‘palace accommodation’.
Day Six
After a morning drive to Kota, you will visit Kaithoon village to see hand weaving and block printing. You will also go on a boat trip in the lush Darrah National Park. Then drive to Bundi for an overnight stay.
Day Seven
Enjoy a morning guided tour of Bundi, a captivating town with atmospheric narrow lanes, blue houses, temples, bazaars and palaces. The afternoon is free for you to immerse yourself in the wonderful ambience of this beautiful town.
Day Eight
Drive to Ranthambore National Park, a lush jungle and the best place in Rajastan to spot wild tigers. At the centre of the jungle is an amazing tenth century fort with ancient temples, mosques and hunting pavilions. In the afternoon you will venture out for an exciting safari tour.
Day Nine
Enjoy activities in the beautiful national park today.
Day Ten
Head to Jaipur airport for an afternoon flight to Mumbai. Later, we will drive to Lonavala for the next part of our wonderful adventure, a visit to the Shikshan Gram Children’s Shelter.
Day Eleven to Day Sixteen
The volunteer program commences now. Here, you will have the opportunity to help out in a way that feels right for you. Examples include: teaching and playing with the children to help improve their English, gardening, working in local villages with the Strong Village Project, painting, building etc.
In addition to the program, there are a diverse range of activities on offer – meditation with the Shaolin Masters in training, qi gong, a scenic walk to a local Buddhist meditation centre, visits to the Karla & Bhuja caves, talks by Satish Moon (founder of the centre) visits to Lonavala & Pune, Ayurvedic massage therapies and cooking lessons.
On the last evening we have a heart-warming farewell party with the children.
Day Seventeen
Today we leave early for Mumbai where you will take a guided tour of the Dharavi Slums. After lunch, free time for shopping and exploring is scheduled. A final group dinner is arranged before flights home. Alternatively, you can extend your stay at the shelter. If you are interested in this option, please let us know.
Additional Information
Your 17-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, domestic flights, entrance fees, local guides, guide tips, wildlife safari, many meals, drinking water and a donation to the children shelter.
